DOD ceases separate testing of IPv6 products
IPv6 testing has become part of the regular routine at the Defense Department's Joint Interoperability Test Command.
As of January, the command, which evaluates, tests and certifies technology for use in network-centric operations, is ensuring that all products under review comply with the IPv6 protocol.
Originally, JITC had a separate laboratory that evaluated products that claimed to be IPv6-capable, said Kris Strance, DOD’s lead for IP policy. The lab conducted that testing to give DOD officials an idea of how well industry was doing in building IPv6 products, but it did not lead to the certification of products for DOD use.
Beginning in January 2008, JITC began reviewing IPv6 products related specifically to voice applications. Then a year later, DOD added IPv6 to its Unified Capabilities Requirements. Now, JTIC reviews all types of products — including voice, video and data — for compliance.
“The testing of IPv6 is a part of all product evaluations — it is much broader in scope now,” Strance said.
JITC tests for interoperability and information assurance capabilities. After JITC has signed off on a product, it goes on the Unified Capabilities Approved Products List that DOD agencies and services use.
About the Author
Doug Beizer is a staff writer for Federal Computer Week.